Dolphins path to playoffs is clear: Win two and they’re in

Posted by Mike Florio on December 17, 2013, 7:57 AM EST

AP

Anyone watching SportsCenter on Tuesday morning was likely confused. Or, as the case may be, more confused than usual.

Anchor Neil Everett said that the Dolphins will qualify for the playoffs with two wins and a Ravens loss. He then threw it to James Walker, who submitted a report on the team’s win over the Patriots and said that Miami controls its “playoff destiny.”

Verrette then tagged Walker’s comments by saying that the Dolphins need help to get in to the postseason field.

They don’t.

If the 8-6 Dolphins beat the Bills and the Jets, they’ll finish 10-6. Yes, a pair of Ravens wins would mean Baltimore also will be 10-6, which would bad news for Miami because the Ravens hold the head-to-head tiebreaker.

But here’s the catch. If the Ravens finish 10-6, they’ll definitely win the AFC North. And the Dolphins then would take the No. 6 seed from the Bengals, who’d be 10-6 at best.

Any tie between Miami and Cincinnati would be broken by the Halloween night overtime win by Miami over the Bengals.

It gets much more complicated for Miami if they lose one of their last two games. If they win their last two games (and they should), it’s as simple as it can be. The Dolphins would be the No. 6 seed, and Joe Philbin would be a viable candidate for coach of the year.

If the Ravens finish 10-6, they’ll definitely win the AFC North. And the Dolphins then would take the No. 6 seed from the Bengals, who’d be 10-6 at best.
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Remember when Bungals fans were talking like the division was theirs?

I don’t believe they’ll ever win a big game with the red sausage at QB.

dolfan72 says:Dec 17, 2013 8:07 AM

A month ago if somebody had used the word “Playoffs,” involving the Dolphins, we all would have collectively sounded like JIM MORA!

Now, it’s a realistic possibility. What’s even crazier is Miami could still win the AFC East if New Englans loses to Baltimore next week at Baltimore and then at Buffalo. I know it’s not likely, but it could happen.

Even crazier, if Miami should win the division and Cincinnati loses next week then beats Baltimore the last week AND the Colts lose one more, Miami could jump to the #2 seed.

It’s crazy, but the way this season has gone for this team between Bullygate and now, I’m amused.

Don’t forget, the last three Super Bowl Champions practically backed into the playoffs as lower seeds, so anything is possible.

We atleast lost to buffalo at home vs a 3rd string QB so I don’t think Miami is going to think this is a easy win! Will be a tough game in buffalo!

finsfrontofficeisajoke says:Dec 17, 2013 8:26 AM

There’s a third, albeit highly unlikely, scenario.

The Dolphins win out, and the Bengals and Ravens tie. This would leave the Fins at 10-6 and the Bengals and Ravens both at 10-5-1 and ahead of Miami, assuming the Ravens beat the Pats and Cinci beats Minnesota.

Not likely, but a scenario nonetheless. Is Donovan McNabb paying attention?

I think Philbin has done a good job keeping his team focused on whichever team is up next. No looking ahead, which is the way it should be. Beating Buffalo will be no easy feat and another huge gut check.

Ravens are winning the AFC North, The Dolphins are heading to baltimore week one for another beat down. I must say though, All jokes aside, i am extremely impressed with the Dolphins this season. Fans were very nice to me when i was there. I hope they make the playoffs. Tanne is a real talent. Kudos to the upper management for getting the right personalities in there. Ellerbe, Wallace, guys from the AFC north who know how to win in big games. You guys are poaching the right teams. Keep it up. LETS GO RAVENS

guitarkevin says:Dec 17, 2013 8:59 AM

No one wants to play the Ravens right now, period!

They just took a road game win against a team fighting just as hard for a playoff berth.

Last week they traded blows with the Vikings in the slushy remains of a snow storm and Joe Flacco showed everyone how CLUTCH he is.

Lotta credit to Philbin for keeping this thing together through the Martin saga, having no running game, and signing guys off the street to play in the secondary.

Imagine if they had someone other than Jeff Ireland as GM.

All-American Voltron says:Dec 17, 2013 9:46 AM

So if the Dolphins add 3 wins from last year that qualifies Philbin for Coach of the Year? Or, do you mean for “handling” the situation with Incognito/Martin? The situation that HE allowed to happen in the first place? He’s handled that situation horribly, the ONLY reason it is no longer a distraction is because the media moved on weeks and weeks ago, and that is the ONLY reason that situation is all but forgotten ….

Crazy to think about. I wrote them off when they lost to the Bills, and basically reassured myself when they lost to the Bucs.

Tannehill, the OL, and the team as a whole is getting hot at the right time. They should beat both the Bills and Jets, but they’ve dropped easy games this season and I hope that doesn’t happen here. But something about this team right now makes me think that they won’t let a chance to get into the playoffs slip away.

Funny how there’s not even a mention about the Fins still in contention to win the AFC East. I mean, why even consider the possibility of the Pats losing both of their last two games? Miami beat them last week and the refs handed them a gift vs Cleveland the week prior, so why even consider the possibility of those red hot Gronkless Pats dropping their next two? It’s just not possible.

finfanjim says:Dec 17, 2013 11:17 AM

finsfrontofficeisajoke says: Dec 17, 2013 8:26 AM

There’s a third, albeit highly unlikely, scenario.

The Dolphins win out, and the Bengals and Ravens tie. This would leave the Fins at 10-6 and the Bengals and Ravens both at 10-5-1 and ahead of Miami, assuming the Ravens beat the Pats and Cinci beats Minnesota.

Not likely, but a scenario nonetheless. Is Donovan McNabb paying attention?

“I would dispute the Fins “should” win the Bills game. The Bills beat the Fins in Miami & now get to play them in Buffalo………in December. Bills are the team that should win this game”

why should it matter if it’s “in december”? the phins are 3-0 in december and 2-0 in cold weather games, if that’s your logic as to why the bills will win you may want to rethink that.

i would say if the bills win its because they have parts of thier game that the dolphins struggle against, the run game and a good pass rush. but the phins are still a better team, better defense, better qb and better coach. phins will be favored in this game and should win.

The Dolphins win out, and the Bengals and Ravens tie. This would leave the Fins at 10-6 and the Bengals and Ravens both at 10-5-1 and ahead of Miami, assuming the Ravens beat the Pats and Cinci beats Minnesota.

Not likely, but a scenario nonetheless. Is Donovan McNabb paying attention?

Completely wrong. Ravens can not go from 8-6-0 to 10-5-1 that my friend is impossible.

stonyhands says:Dec 17, 2013 11:30 AM

guitarkevin says:Dec 17, 2013 8:59 AM

No one wants to play the Ravens right now, period!

They just took a road game win against a team fighting just as hard for a playoff berth.

Last week they traded blows with the Vikings in the slushy remains of a snow storm and Joe Flacco showed everyone how CLUTCH he is.

Their defense is firing on all cylinders.

The Ravens can almost taste the AFCN title

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Clutch…LOL!
By clutch do you mean watching from the sidelines when your KR goes the distance only to have your defense give up a huge play on a critical 3rd down?

Or was it the interception he threw on the next drive that was negated by a phantom P.I. when your TE fell down due to slippery conditions?

I’ll give your team credit that they’ve fought hard enough to squeak out wins but you could go back to just about every single Raven win and there is something controversial that is always against the opposing team.

All one has to do is look at the penalties for and penalties against to see the Ravens have had a clear advantage this season. Add in the fact that they lead the league in false starts and its still amazing how many more penalty yards have been in their favor.

beachsidejames says:Dec 17, 2013 11:32 AM

Fins played the Bills already once and lost. The Bills won last week and are not easy to beat right now. Bills also hate the Pats and would love to beat them. Btw, the Jets D is very tough and they are playing for their coach’s job. Plenty of spoilers incentive to go around. Oh, and Baltimore…61 yard FG..pretty awesome.

stonyhands says:Dec 17, 2013 11:52 AM

Since most of you will thumbs down my previous post I will post the research for you…

Right now the Baltimore Ravens have been the beneficiary of 109 penalties for 1062 penalty yards through 14 games.

2nd place goes to Minnesota at 896 yards a full 166 yards less.

Now Baltimore has committed 803 yards worth of penalties. Now keep in mind they lead the league in false starts. One of the only penalties you cannot committ and get away with.

So how does Baltimore compare in Net penalty yards?

Baltimore ranks 4th at a positive 259 behind only Minnesota (266), Indianapolis (340), and New England (278). However, Baltimore has committed 36 more penalties than all three of those teams, again leading the league in false starts.

Add in all the close games that came down to overtime or the last minutes of the 4th quarter and tell me those extra penalty yards are not a part of the deciding factor.

peytonwantsaflag says:Dec 17, 2013 11:55 AM

This whole “control your own destiny” stuff is out of control –

Miami does NOT control their own destiny, they need Baltimore to win out beat Cincy.

When you have to really on someone else to do something by definition you do not control your own destiny.

Miami does NOT control their own destiny, they need Baltimore to win out beat Cincy.

When you have to really on someone else to do something by definition you do not control your own destiny.”

This is just false. If the Fins win out and so does Bal, the Fins get the wildcard because Bal will win the AFC North and the Fins get the tie-breaker against Cincy. If the Fins win out and Bal doesn’t the Fins get the wildcard by virtue of a better record. Either way if the Fins win out they are in the playoffs.

ashdanielson says:Dec 17, 2013 12:21 PM

vincentbojackson says: Dec 17, 2013 8:21 AM

The Dolphins are a team of destiny.

Unfortunately, that destiny is to go one and out in the playoffs.
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“I would dispute the Fins “should” win the Bills game. The Bills beat the Fins in Miami & now get to play them in Buffalo………in December. Bills are the team that should win this game”

why should it matter if it’s “in december”? the phins are 3-0 in december and 2-0 in cold weather games, if that’s your logic as to why the bills will win you may want to rethink that.

i would say if the bills win its because they have parts of thier game that the dolphins struggle against, the run game and a good pass rush. but the phins are still a better team, better defense, better qb and better coach. phins will be favored in this game and should win.
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Phins have a better Defense? Please!!! I don’t think so. Buffalo is ranked ahead of the Dolphins in total defense. Dolphins are ranked 24th against the run, while Buffalo is ranked 4th. Also, Buffalo leads the NFL in sacks. Going to be a long, long day for your QB, just like the last time when they sacked him 7 or 8 times. Maybe a better QB at this time because he has played more than EJ, but your QB is nothing to write home about. Not sure about better coach either.

The Dolphins do not deserve the playoffs if they lose to Buffalo or the Jets at this point in the season. Win the next two and get in…should be the only scenario.

southpaw2k says:Dec 17, 2013 12:54 PM

stonyhands says:
Dec 17, 2013 11:52 AM
Since most of you will thumbs down my previous post I will post the research for you…

Right now the Baltimore Ravens have been the beneficiary of 109 penalties for 1062 penalty yards through 14 games.

2nd place goes to Minnesota at 896 yards a full 166 yards less.

Now Baltimore has committed 803 yards worth of penalties. Now keep in mind they lead the league in false starts. One of the only penalties you cannot committ and get away with.

So how does Baltimore compare in Net penalty yards?

Baltimore ranks 4th at a positive 259 behind only Minnesota (266), Indianapolis (340), and New England (278). However, Baltimore has committed 36 more penalties than all three of those teams, again leading the league in false starts.

Add in all the close games that came down to overtime or the last minutes of the 4th quarter and tell me those extra penalty yards are not a part of the deciding factor.

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So what exactly is your point? The Ravens’ victories this season are tainted somehow because they can draw penalties from the other team? How exactly does a ball carrier draw a face mask or roughing the passer penalty?

I’d agree that teams can draw PI penalties when it counts, and the Ravens have done so in big spots. But I don’t see how the victory was tainted somehow because Louis Delmas decided to plow into Marlon Brown with helmet to helmet contact. That was all Delmas, not Brown forcing Delmas into the hit.

As for drawing the defense off sides and the like, that’s smart QB play. I don’t see any reason why the Ravens should get any flack for that.

peytonwantsaflag says:Dec 17, 2013 1:18 PM

“Miami does NOT control their own destiny, they need Baltimore to win out beat Cincy. ”

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my bad Dolphin fans (which I like a lot actually) I was wrong – good luck to you hopefully it’s us (Bengals) and you all.

iammrbinky says:Dec 17, 2013 1:19 PM

For some crazy reason the NFL is giving Miami 2 additional pre-season games to be played weeks 16-17.

The Dolphins win out, and the Bengals and Ravens tie. This would leave the Fins at 10-6 and the Bengals and Ravens both at 10-5-1 and ahead of Miami
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This is wrong. Baltimore is tied with us on record. If we win the next two games and they win one and tie the Bengals, then they will finish half a game below us. Nice try though.

haywoodjablomee says:Dec 17, 2013 4:19 PM

I hope the Dolphins don’t get complacent, because these next two games are going to be the hardest fought all year. These are divisional foes, who relish in knocking off and sending home a playoff contender.

Hey guy, in every game you’re talking about, there were bad calls and non-calls that went against the Ravens as well.

Tomlin wasn’t penalized for tackling Jacoby Jones. Levy wasn’t penalized for a low hit on Flacco that would have put the Ravens in scoring position. I’ve seen Torrey Smith held more times than I can count. The Lions’ OL was blatantly holding on the arm bar non-call. I could name so many more.

Honestly, people who whine and complain about the refs are the worst. No game is decided on one play.